7 Undeniably Fun Weekend Trips To Take If You Live In Louisiana

Shreveport and Bossier City feature something for everyone. From riverfront shopping opportunities to museums and outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do exploring Louisiana’s other side. Chimp Haven is located just outside of Shreveport and is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the world. It opens its doors to the public just a few times a year, and two of these Discover Days are coming up soon. Head here on March 16th or April 13th to get an up-close look at these cool critters.

For more information about Chimp Haven and its Discovery Days, check out our previous feature article here.

For a unique weekend getaway, consider staying in a houseboat. You’ll be surrounded by some truly incredible natural landscapes and will be treated to a symphony of sounds from the swamps and bayous as the sun sets on a fun day on the water. Click here to learn more about houseboat rentals in Louisiana and find one near you.

This remote oasis is both a nature lover’s and fisherman’s paradise. Renowned for its world-class fishing opportunities and beautiful birding habitat, Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island is just the ticket when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and truly relax for a few days. There are seven miles of public beaches to sink your toes into, as well as jaw-dropping views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a truly unique experience, bring your tent and camp right on the beach!

Stretching across 6,400 acres, Chicot State Park is the largest state park in Louisiana, and it’s certainly worth a visit. You’ll want to plan a whole weekend to explore the expansive park and its 2,000-acre man-made lake. Lake Chicot is great for casting your line and catching largemouth bass, and those looking to set off on foot have multiple trails to choose from. One of the favorite trails completely encircles the lake and offers some truly stunning views along the way. In its entirety, the trail measures about 20 miles in length, but you can easily tackle shorter portions of it to meet your preferences and needs.

The Louisiana State Arboretum is also located within Chicot State Park and is a fun-filled educational experience for both kids and adults alike. Click here to see our previous feature article and learn more about all there is to do at Chicot State Park.

Chicot State Park may be the biggest, but there are 20 other state parks peppered around Louisiana that deserve your attention. They may be smaller and lesser-known, but they’re just as lovely and often have fewer visitors if you’re looking for a quieter weekend getaway. Click here to learn more about our smaller state parks and their unique attractions.

Established in 1714, Natchitoches is chock-full of delightful adventures to fill your weekend. Their National Historic Landmark District is an incredible 33-block area peppered with tons of shopping and dining opportunities, including the state’s oldest general store, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile.

If you own an RV, then you have to check out Reunion Lake. Located in Ponchatoula, this hidden oasis features a lazy river, tiki bar, a mini golf course, a fishing lake, a floating obstacle course…. and that’s just the beginning! You can learn more more about Reunion Lake in our previous article here.

If you don’t have an RV, consider heading over to Cajun Country to spend some time at Cajun Palms, located in Henderson. This tropical paradise has several cabins to make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a Caribbean island. For more information about Cajun Palms, check out our feature article here.